American soul and R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné! founding member and guitarist D’Wayne Wiggins has died, according to an Instagram statement from the band. The Thursday post said: “With broken hearts, we share with you that our beloved D’Wayne passed away this morning surrounded by family and loved ones. Over the past year, he has been privately and courageously battling bladder cancer. Through this fight, he remained committed and present for his family, his music, his fans and his community.” The statement continued: “D’Wayne’s life was incomparable, and his music and service impacted millions around the world, including in his hometown of Oakland, California. He was a guitarist, producer, composer, philanthropist, mentor and founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné! He was deeply passionate about providing artist development and mentorship to emerging young musicians, helping to shape the early careers of many.” Wiggins, 64, and his band, including Timothy Christian Riley and Raphael Saadiq, were set to perform in Tracy, California on March 22. However, they recently revealed Wiggins was sidelined due to cancer. Tony! Toni! Toné! formed in Oakland in the mid-1980s, releasing platinum albums with hits like “Feels Good” and “It Never Rains (in Southern California).”
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